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UC-NRLF 


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LIBRARY 

OF  THK 

University  of  California. 

Received        ^/}/Uiyr~,       .  iSq^. 
Accession  No.  ^^^/ 3     ■    Class  No. ^^'^Y>, 


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THE  DRAMA 
OF  EDEN  ^ 


r>r. 


IRev.  a.  riD.  IRussell 

Until  Recently 

Pastor  of  Hamilton  Square  Baptist  Church 

San  Francisco,  Cal. 


e^ 


This  Book  is  Secnred  by  CopyrlKht-Certificate  Issued  Nov.  3,  1897.    All  Rights 
Reserved. 


Single  copy,    25  cents;  one  dozen  to  one  address,  $2.40 


Send  all  orders  to  Rev.  A.  M.  Russell,  Napa  City,  Gal. 


sian  Francisco 

Cubery  *  Co.,  Printers  *  Publishers 

587  Mission  St.,  below  2d 

1898 


^^-Zryi^aAX^^li} 


J^QuXT^ 


Rev.  a.  M.  Russell, 

PASTOR  BAPTIST  CHURCH,  NAPA  CITY,  GAL. 


^be  S)rama  of  l£ben..* 

PART  I. 

CHARACTERS     

(1)  Interlocutok 

(2)  Adam 

(3)  Eve 

(4)  The  Voice  (Concealed  speaker) 

(5)  The  Tempter 

(6)  Chorus  of  Girls   (representing  angels) 

SUGGESTIVE   SCENERY. 

Place— a  garden  traversed  by  a  water-course;  trees, 
fruits  aud  flowers  on  either  side.  Animals  of  all  kinds 
in  frendly  league.  An  artificial  bower  concealing  its 
occupants.     Lights  turned  low, 

ACT  L— Scene  I. 
Prologue  by  Interlocutor. 

Inter. 
"  This  vast  expanse  one  total  darkness  was." 
'Till  God  said:  "  Let  there  be  light, 
And  there  was  light."    (Lights  turned  on.) 

At  his  command  forth  there  came 
Of  forms  an  ever  varying  kind. 


One  of  stately  majesty  was, 
As  if  for  dominion  born, 
O'er  all  else  in  this  lower  world. 
Forth  he  came  and  names  he  gave 
To  all  cattle  and  every  creeping  thing. 
When  before  him  all  had  passed; 
Joined  each  to  the  other  by  nature's 
Strongest  link,  of  sex  distinct; 
And  by  gentle  wooings  showed 
That  they  were  for  each  other  meant, 
No  compani(m  had  for  him  been  found. 
Solitary  and  alone  he  entered  his  bowery  home, 
There  in  silence  to  meditate, 
Or,  if  speaking,  to  be  his  only  auditor. 
But,  from  his  own  lips  his  story  best  is  told; 
Lo!  he  comes,  and  for  himself  shall  speak. 
Ex.  Inter.    Enter  Adam. 

A. 
A  world  so  vast!  A  companionship  so  small! 
Whence  came  IV  How  my  own  voice  startles  me! 
Heard  it  not  before ; 

My  inner  musings  all  my  language  was; 
But  now,  as  of  a  fountain  sealed,  it  must  break  forth. 
And  waste  its  strength  upon  the  ambient  air. 

A  world  of  wealth  lies  at  my  feet. 

Ministering  to  my  daily  wants. 

Health  and  strength  continually  upon  me  wait. 

As  servants  faithful  to  their  lord. 

Life  have  I  in  profuse  abundance; 

Age  upon  age  may  crown  my  days. 

Yet,  surely  a  deeper  joy  of  companionship  would  come. 

What  were  an  eternity  of  fruits  and  flowers 

Mid  a  solitude  like  this  ? 


^ 


Doth  nature  herself  outrage, 
Mating  all  else;  shall  man  live  alone? 

[A  voice  startles  Adam  from  his  reverie.] 

Voice — 
"  It  is  not  good  that  man  should  be  alone, 
I  will  make  a  helpmeet  unto  him." 
[Awe-inspired  Adam  bows  low;  veils  his  brow  with  his 

hand,  then  speaking,  says:] 
Heard  not  I  another  self? 
Whence  this  voice  so  like  my  own, 
Bringing  sweet  hope  of  fond  deliverance 
From  this  dire  loneliness? 
In  yonder's  bower  I  will  lie  me  down  to  sleep, 
And  dream  of  joy  hidden  in  the  words: 
"  I  will  make  an  helpmeet  unto  him." 
[He  moves  across  the  stage  to  a  bower  and  lies  down  to 

sleep.    Curtain  falls.] 

LOVE,  COURTSHIP  AND  MARRIAGE. 

Scene  II. 
Curtain  rises. 

[Adam  awakes,  sits  up.      Near  him  and  intently,  yet 

modestly  looking  upon  him,  is  a  beautiful  woman 

in  simple  attire.    He  rubs  his  eyes,  is  confused, 

gazes  long  and  silently  upon  her,  and  then  speaks:] 

A. 

Am  I    dreaming  yet,    or    has    the   Voice    of    promise 

been  fulfilled, 
And  this  fair  creature  sent,  my  companionship  to  prove? 

[He  arises  and  carefully  surveys,  with  wonderous  amaze- 
ment the  fair  one  before  him;  then  speaking,  says:] 
These  few  moments  of  sweetest  rapture  in  thy  fair  pres- 
ence spent, 


More  than  compensate  the  loss  in  an  age  of  waiting 
I  passed,  it  seems  to  me,  an  eternity  waiting  for  thee. 
[In  half  adoring  attitude  he  again  speaks.] 
Of  all  the  creatures  in  boundless  fullness  given. 
Thou  art  fairest,  and  partakest  most  of  heaven. 

[She  averting  her  face  listens.] 

Thy  matchless  form  hath  every  lineament  of  grace 

While  thine  eyes  lend  perfection  to  thy  lovely  face; 

Through  their  pure  light  thy  soul  doth  sweetly  shine; 

Proving  thee  almost,  if  not  quite  divine. 

In  possessing  thee  I  should  all  wealth  enjoy, 

And  in  serving  thee  my  moments  best  employ. 

******* 

This  my  life  dream  long  hath  been,  and  had 

I  nought  else  than  thy  sweet  companionship 

Then  were  my  cup  with  joy  quite  overflown. 

*    *    *    A.nd  yet,  thy  own  sweet  will  must  be  matched 
to  mine 

Or,  else,  all  this  boundless  wealth  were  profusion  multi- 
plying sorrow. 

Had  I  not  known  thee— by  this  one  hour  of  thy  fair 
presence 

Then  had  this  garden  with  its  ten  thousand  bewitching 
charms 

My  every  want  supplied  and  my  happiness  fulfilled. 
******* 

But  now  with  heaven  above  to  smile  upon  me; 

With  a  world  of  wealth  at  my  command, 

I  am  but  poor  and  miserable  without  thee. 

Thy  fond  presence  hath  put  new  thoughts  within  my 

soul. 
Hope  hath  mounted  on  freer  wing. 
And  joy  taken  on  deeper  meaning. 


All  nature's  music  to  my  own  soul 

In  sweet  harmony  doth  respond; 

For  thou  hast  complemented  all, 

And  art  to  me  the  last  fond  desire  of  my  being — 

*    *    *     Fair  one,  may  I  not  in  thee  find  the  helpmate 

pledged; 
If  not,  then  why  upon  my  loneliness  intrude 
Only  to  awaken  a  hope  within  me  to  be  doomed 
To  a  disappointment 
More  bitter  than  death  and  darker  than  dispair  ? 

[With  down  cast  eyes  he  moves  back  and  forth  across 
the  stage  and  then  resumes :] 

But,  fairest  one,  it  ill  becomes  me  to  bide  thy  silence 

longer. 
Speak,  I  know  canst,  and  the  witchery  of  thy  voice  shall 
thrice  thrill  my  soul. 

[He  pauses — she  speaks;] 

E.    All  is  new  and  strange  to  me, 

But  just  now  for  the  first  time  woke  to  consciousness, 

For  the  first  time  mine  eyes  were  ravished 

With  the  beauties  of  this  lovely  place; 

Beauties  of  landscape,  sun  and  flower; 

Beauties  of  form  and  movement  graceful; 

Then  songs  of  sweetest  carol  greet  mine  ear. 

All,  all,  is  music  of  richest  store, 

Rare  odors  and  spicy  breezes  float  on  the  richly  laden 

air, 
And  gladden  every  moment  of  my  new  being; 
Thrilling  my  soul  with  ten  thousand  joys 
Hitherto  unknown. 
Yet,  from  all  these  I  gladly  turn  away 
To  find  my  companionship  in  thee. 
[They  meet  in  modest  embrace.    The  curtain  falls.] 


THE  MARRIAGE   SANCTIONED. 
Scene  III. 
Curtain  rises. 

[Seated  amid  a  profusion  of  flowers  are  the  young  1( 
era.     A  voice  breaks  the  silence :] 
Voice— 
I  am  well  pleased  with  thy  mutual  choice. 
Happy  shalt  thou  be  listening  to  the  Voice. 
This  fairy  fane  of  fruits  and  flowers, 
Of  singing  birds  and  shady  bowers, — 
Brooklets  filled  with  water  sweet. 
And  carpets  green  beneath  thy  feet, 
Of  sun  o'er  head  and  azure  sky, 
Of  warbling  songsters  flitting  by, 
Thy  dwelling  place  and  home  shall  be 
While  thou  dost  heed  and  follow  me, 
The  tree  of  life  to  thee  I  give, 
By  it  thou  mayest  eat  and  live. 
*•  But  of  the  tree  of  knowledge  of  good  and  evil  thou 

shalt  not  eat 
For,  in  the  day  thou  eatest  thereof,  thou  shalt   surely 

die." 
[Spoken  in  tone  of  great  authority.] 
Curtain  falls. 

THE  TEMPTATION. 

ACT  II.    Scene  I. 
Curtain  rises. 

[Prominent  in  the  foreground  is  the  tempter,  arrayed  as 

an  angel  of  light.] 
[Seated  on  a  green  sward  in  listening  attitude  are  the 
young  lovers.] 
Temp. — 
Beauteous  creatures! 
Fit  companionship  for  the  Gods! 


I  come  to  do  obeisance  as  well  I  might, 

Seeing  I  am  servant  of  all, 

[He  bows  low.] 

And  most  gladly  do  I  impart. 

What  I,  by  long  experience  know, 

To  those  less  favored  by  lapse  of  time  and  circumstance 

To  all  who  are  new,  of  late  arrived, 

There  is  One  who  feign  would  give  his  law  for  their  con- 
trol. 

True,  he  comes  not  forth  as  ye  see  me  do. 

But,  from  deep  concealment  gives  his  Voice  forth 

Much  to  the  fear  and  trembling  of  weak  and  timid 
souls. 

[After  a  brief  pause.] 

For  one,  long  ages  fc^ince,  I  threw  his  shackles  off, 

[Here  he  gave  a  spasmodic  movement  indicative  of  vio- 
lent inward  pain.] 

And  through  knowledge  thus  acquired, 

Have  liberated  many  who  otherwise  had  been 

His  servile  vassals  since. 

Free  as  the  unfettered  wind  came  I  forth, 

And  forth  as  free  I  go. 

Who  then  shall  say:  "Thus  far  shalt  thou  go  and  no 
farther?" 

Trifling  too,  oft  his  prohibitions  are, 

Descending  to  the  fruitful  tree 

Made  to  impart  knowledge  of  divinest  sort. 

Elevating  him  who  eats,  to  the  rank  and  dignity  of  the 
gods. 

But,  not  longer  to  intrude  I  haste  away, 

Giving  first  assurance  that: 

To  do  you  service,  I  hither  came. 

[With  a  polite  bow  he  retires.] 

1  After  a  brief  pause  Adam  speaks :] 


8 


A. 

How  strange  the  spell  this  visitor  hath  woven  around  me! 

In  his  mighty  grasp  of  knowledge 

He  doth  my  feeble  powers  quite  overcome. 

Still,  I  hold  in  doubt  his  plight  of  service. 

Saw  you  not  through  the  mockery  of  his  disguise, 

When  once  while  speaking  he  was  with  inward   pam" 

quite  convulsed? 
His  form  with  trembling  shook, 
His  face,  so  fair  to  look  upon, 
Distorted  and  pale  became, 
As  if  tormented  with  deadly  fear. 
Surely  his  exterior  fair  gives  promise  of  a  fairer  world 

within 
Where  all  is  light  and  peace, 
Where  no  chill  of  dark  remorse  holds  court. 
With  memories  borrowed  from  a  fateful  past. 
Somehow  he  doth  not  attach  himself  to  me 
As  one  from  whom  wisdom  should  be  sought; 
And,  since  the  Voice  that  at  first, 
Such  world  of  promise  gave,  (later  fulfilled  in  thee,) 
Doth  our  every  want  supply,  and  daily  guard  our  steps. 
Why  should  we,  who  now  are  one, 
To  a  stranger  turn  aside. 
And,  turning,  forsake  the  Tree  of  Life 
As  yet  untouched? 
Need  we  more,  my  fairest  one. 
To  bless  the  union  of  our  joys 
Than  heaven's  princely  grant  bestowed  already, 
Of  earth's  fair  domain  both  far  and  near. 
Of  dominion  vast  over  all  below? 

Eve. 
Your  word,  my  lord,  my  law  shall  be. 
'  Tis  true  our  bounty  is  quite  enlarged 


Than  what  could  larger  be? 
Yet,  there  was  something  in  the  stranger's  air. 
Of  more  than  earthly  sort. 

That  he  long  hath  been,  and  is  of  knowledge  quite  re- 
plete, 
We  may  not  dwell  in  doubt; 

Then,  his  offer  of  kindly  service  we  cannot  well  refuse, 
And  should  he  come  again,  to  question  him 
And  of  his  wide  experience  reap, 
Might  best  become  our  simple  state. 

Adam. 
My  fairest,  I  would  not  deign  to  give  thee  law 
Yet,  since  the  Voice  hath  of  late  ordained 
That  henceforth  we  shall  be  one, 
I  would  thee  well  advise; 
Beware  of  one  so  free  of  proffered  service! 
'  Neath  the  witchery  of  his  manner 
May  lie  a  purpose  fell, 
As  meant  the  Voice  when  it  said : 

"  In  the  day  thou  eatest  thereof  thou  shalt  surely  die." 
[This  sentence  he  scarce  had  finished  when  from  beneath 

his  breath  he  exclaimed:] 
Hist,  lo !  he  comes  again,  and  audience  we  must  give. 

Enter  Tempter. 
Hail,  thou  rightful  lord  of  all  this  lower  world, 
And  thou,  fit  companion  in  place  and  power, 
Long  live  and  reap  the  favors  I  haste  to  bring. 
Richly  indeed  art  thou  endowed; 
Boundless  place  and  power  are  thine, 
Yet,  may  thy  sphere  be  wide  enlarged, 
To  have  and  hold  and  more  enjoy. 

A. 
Of  dominion  we  are  not  circumscribed, 


V 


M 


lO 


Earth,  air  and  ocean  our  tributaries  are,* 

And  from  their  boundless  wealth  we  all  enjoy — 

3|C  ^  3lC  5JC  !^C  3JC  3|s 

T. 

True,    yet   while  one    prohibition    is   all    else   suffers 

limitation 
And  binds  in  chains  what  otherwise  were  free — 

*  *  *  'Tis  eventide.  Seest  thou  yonder's  brilliant 
star. 

Lustrous  blazing  orb — proud  Hesperus  ? 

Once  in  obscurity,  bound  in  chains  he  feebly  sat 

'  Till  your  servant  made  him  free 

And  gave  him  place  and  power,  affluent  with  light  di- 
vine— 

Go,  look  abroad  at  night— facing  well  the  north 

And  there  of  all  the  star-lit  train  behold 

That  blazing  sun  that  shall  in  coming  ages  the  seaman's' 
course  direct — 

Or,  turning  well  to  east,  the  seven  matchless  sisters  see, 

Whose  sweet  influence  binds  all  within  their  course 

Leaving  blessings  in  their  train — 

These,  with  a  countless  host  yet  unknown, 

Have  T  given  place  from  stations  such  as  thine 

Only  yesterday  I  paid  them  court. 

And  to  you  their  princely  greetings  bring, 

With  desires  strong  for  your  deliverance 

From  a  thralldom  so  despised. 

*  *  *  I  too,  proud  Lucifer  am,  **  Son  of  the  morn- 
ing," 

Erstwhile  "in  bodily  presence  weak  and  speech  con- 
temptible" 

The  better  audience  to  prove  to  those 

As  yet  not  translated  to  a  place  among  the  gods— 

*  *    *    Would'st  thou  too,  soar  on  boundless  wing. 


II 


And  through  all  space  thy  triumphs  sing; 
Then  yield  thy  guidance  unto  me; 
Eat  ye  of  the  forbidden  tree 
Ye  shall  not  die  as  saith  the  Voice 
Then  no  longer  delay  thy  choice. 
*    *    *    In  eating  thou  shalt  clearly  see 
Why  the  Voice  hath  so  dealt  with  thee 
— Well  doth  he  know  that  this  fruit  divine 
Shall  impart  thee  knowledge—such  as  mine- 
Shall  raise  thee  both  to  place  and  power — 
And  give  thee  freedom — this  very  hour! 

******* 
A. 
Avaunt,  proud  tempter  I  will  not  dispise  the  Voice 
Nor  in  disobedience  will  I  find  my  choice. 
Haste,  get  thee  hence,  no  more  return. 
Thy  false  offers  I  scorn  and  spurn ! 

Exit  Tempter  hurriedly. 
Curtain  falls. 

EVE  WARNED  OP  DANGER. 
Scene  II. 
Curtain  rises. 
[Adam  and  Eve  in  earnest  conversation.] 

A. 
Said  I  not  well  to  thee  "  beware  of  service  proffered?" 
Once  more  I  say  "  beware,"  for  lurks  there  mischief 
In  his  every  word  and  look. 
We  may  not  brook  his  presence  longer 
Lest  our  innocence  he  should  beguile 
And  with  flattering  words  deceive. 
Audience  henceforth  we  will  no  longer  give. 
To  one  so  full  of  dark  revolt 
Against  our  rightful  Lord. 


12 


E. 


My  liege,  my  sovereign  and  my  lord, 

On  thee  I  stay,  held  by  thy  sweet  command; 

Nor  threats,  nor  pleadings,  nor  temptation's  guile 

Could  sever  my  heart  from  thine. 

Yet,  the  fascinating  stranger  well  doth  reason, 

That  with  one  prohibition  no  soul  can  be  free. 

Surely  the  highest  triumph  of  being  freedom  is. 

See  these,  thy  willing  slaves,  the  lower  animals. 

How  they  come  and  serve  at  thy  beck  and  call. 

Nor  dream  of  higher  thought  than  simple  service  brings. 

Had  they  but  perfect  knowledge 

Would  they  thus  serve  and  cringe  to  man  ? 

A. 

The  Voice  hath  formed  them  all. 

Their  title  deeds  proceed  from  Him. 

All  nature  serves. 

The  sun  goes  forth  each  day, 

Clad  in  light  almost  divine, 

And,  lighting  the  heavens  above. 

Casts  his  robe  of  light  over  all  below 

When  he  his  day  hath  wrought, 

And  gently  sinks  to  rest. 

The  queen  of  night,  with  her  galaxy  of  sons  and  daugh- 
ters, come  forth 

To  perform  their  nightly  task. 

Retiring  only  before  the  light  of  the  "  King  of  day." 

Serve  we  not  each  other  ? 

Thy  hand  doth  to  me  most  tempting  offerings  bring, 

While  my  heart  and  hand  are  ever  open  thy  service  to 
perform. 


To  gladen  the  earth  the  gentle  shower  doth  come  down, 
And  in  return  all  Nature  sings. 


13 

Proof  abundant  that  we  were  for  service  meant, 
And  that  in  simple  service  our  highest  pleasure  lies. 

Then,  may  not  the  tree  forbidden  have  a  blessing  in  it 

That  in  touching  we  should  forever  lose, 

And  with  it  lose  our  high  estate 

Tn  Eden's  joyous  home? 

The  ministry  of  ten  thousand  blessings  daily   upon  us 

wait, 
While  angels  their  nightly  vigils  keep. 
The  Voice,  although  unseen,  is  surely  ever  near 
Our  daily  steps  to  guard,  and  our  every  want  supply. 
******  * 

But,  the  hour  has  come  for  rest; 

To  our  love-lit  home  we  will  now  repair 

And  dream  of  joys  yet  in  store. 

Lo,  hear  ye  not  the  voices  of  the  happy  throng? 

[Unseen  voices  singing.] 

"  Making  melody  to  the  night," 

And  chanting  the  praise  of  Him 

Who  first  didst  send  them  forth, 

'  When  all  the  sons  of  God  shouted  for  j  oy 

Over  the  birth  of  a  new  world." 

That  song,  sung  long  ages  since, 

My  soul  with  rapture  doth  en  thrill: 

In  their  sweet  refrain,  we  too  will  join. 

[They  join  in  the  refrain  while  the  curtain  falls.] 

SATAN'S  AFTERMATH. 
Scene  III. 
[Curtain  Bises.    Tempter  only  in  sight.    After  a  silence, 
breaks  forth  in  soliloquy :] 
Temp. 
Cursed  ambition  that  could  not  rest 
Until  it  was  itself  cast  down  I 


Cursed  be  the  day  of  my  revolt 

Now  past  all  recall. 

And  burning  with  fires  of  fiercest  hell ! 

What  I  might  have  been,  had  not 

Proud  ambition  seized  my  soul, 

And  in  his  fiery  course  dragged  me  down 

(And  with  me  one-third  part  of  the  stars  of  heaven  fell 

To  nethermost  depths  below). 

Forever  will  remain  unknown. 

Once  in  integrity  I  was  strong,  and  dauntless  stood, 

But  now  a  breath  of  prayer  from  yonder's  feeble  folk 

[Pointing  toward  the  bower.] 

Canst  cast  me  down  and  make  me  suppliant  I 

All,  all  is  lost!  but  I  will  not  sink  alone! 

Repelled  but  yesterday,  I  will  my  attack  renew, 

And  seek  by  other  means  to  compass  mine  end. 

The  empire  of  his  being  I  must  control, 

Enthrone  my  accursed  will  within  his  soul. 

Early  doth  he  rise  and  to  his  task  go  forth, 

To  dress  the  garden  and  to  keep  it. 

A  task,  not  self-imposed,  but  on  him  laid 

By  the  Voice,  as  to  him  yet  quite  unknown. 

I'll  seek  to  find  him  thus  engaged 

And  his  other  self  I'll  ply 

With  arts  of  cunning  will. 

Born  in  perdition's  dark  abode, 

And  deceiving  her,  through  her  I  will  the  man  deceive. 

Thus  shall  their  garb  of  childish  innocence  be  exchanged 

For  robes  of  sin's  best  weaving. 

Exit  Tempter. 
Curtain  falls. 

TEMPTATION  CONTINUED. 

Scene  IV. 

[Adam  in  extremity  of  garden  trimming  a  tree.    Eve  in 


IS 

the  door  of  her  bower  adjusting  a  boquet  of  flow- 
ers. Tempter  in  the  background,  ventures  to  the 
door  of  the  bower. 

Temp. 

Most  humbly  yours,  and  pardon  craved  for  this  intru- 
sion, 
Allow  me  to  explain  what  otherwise  offence  has  given. 
I  too  doth  serve  the  hidden  Voice 
And  in  his  will  oft  find  my  choice. 
Yet,  in  the  use  of  a  freer  mind 
Higher  pleasures  I  am  sure  to  find. 
Thrice  wooed  I  your  husband  to  partake 
That  he  might  his  yoke  of  bondage  break, 
And  on  soaring  wing  celestial  rise, 
Taking  his  way  through  the  vaulted  skies, 
Rising  to  heights  hitherto  unknown, 
'Mid  the  starry  hosts  to  place  his  throne. 
All  this  and  more,  at  his  command 
Will  come  to  thee,  if  by  thy  hand 
Thou  wilt  but  break  this  servile  chain, 
Sweet  freedom  thou  shalt  surely  gain; 
Bring  to  thyself  a  richer  dower, 
Increase  thy  sight,  extend  thy  power. 
The  tyrant's  rule  ye  shall  henceforth  spurn. 
The  good  and  evil  ye  will  discern. 

*  *  *  *  ♦  4:  9|c 

This  tree  is  good  for  food  and  pleasant  to  the  eyes, 

A  tree  much  to  be  desired  to  make  one  wise, 

A  proof  that  in  the  hidden  Voice 

He  would  limit  thee,  control  thy  choice, 

Would  bind  thee  to  this  narrow  place, 

Deny  thee  freedom's  richer  grace. 

Thee  and  thy  lord,  vassals  of  his  will, 


i6 

His  pleasure,  not  thine  own,  to  fulfil. 

In  thy  hand  doth  lodge  the  power, 
To  break  this  chain  this  very  hour. 
Through  azure  depths  thy  freedom  sing, 
Mounting  on  ethereal  wing. 
Soaring  to  worlds  before  unknown, 
And  on  highest  height  place  thy  throne. 
Eating  ye  shall  not  die  but  live; 
Then  eat  and  to  thy  husband  give. 

[He  pauses,  she  speaks.] 

E. 
Thy  speech  doth  set  my  soul  on  fire, 
Kindling  within  a  strong  desire 
To  share  the  wisdom  of  which  you  sing. 
To  rise  and  soar  on  freedom's  wing. 
Nor  will  I  longer  my  right  refuse 
Since  I  possess  the  power  to  choose. 
I  will  exercise  this  right  of  mine 
By  freely  eating  this  fruit  divine. 

[She  reaches  forth,  plucks  the  fruit,  tastes  it,  seems  de- 
lighted, then  staggers  and  falls  down  in  a  swoon.] 
Exit  Tempt. 
Curtain  falls. 

EVE'S  CONFESSION  TO  ADAM. 
Curtain  rises. 
ScBNE  V — Eve  lying  on  the  ground.  A.  bending  over  her. 

A. 
What  strange  affection  this! 
Hath  sudden  sleep  her  eyelids  left  still  unsealed? 
Whence  this  rain  of  tears— hitherto  unknown? 
Heaves  her  bosom  as  if  by  anguish  torn, 


Caused  mayhap  by  somQ  sudden  fright, 
Or,  else  perchance  by  my  presence  too  long  delayed. 
.    *    *    f  must  her  awake  and  chase  away  those  tears — 
that  have  unbidden  come. 

(Tries  to  awake  her). 
Awake,  awake,  my  fair  one  awake  and  to  me  recount 
The  hidden  source  of  all  thy  grief. 
Shall  thy  fair  bosom  with  grief  be  torn 
And  mine  remain  untouched  ? 
It  cannot  be  since  we  are  one  to  all  that  life  pertains. 

(She  slowly  returns  to  consciousness— gazes  about  her 
— their  eyes  meet — she  averts  her  glance— buries 
her  face  in  her  hands  and  sobs  aloud). 
******* 
A. 

What  weird  vision  hast  thou  seen  that  with  spectre  wild 

Thou  art  with  fright  quite  overcome? 

******* 

E. 
Speak  not  to  me — to  one  who  am  so  debased! 
That  arch-fiend  hath  my  soul  undone 
And  robbed  me  of  my  priceless  innocence. 
Only  one  hour  since  and  all  nature  smiled — 
The  Voice  gently  whispered  "  Thou  art  my  child." 
The  heavens  above  were  bright  with  holy  joy, 
I  was  with  thy  love  crowned — without  alloy. 

*  *    *    But  J  now,  alas,  all,  all  is  lost! 

I  am  no  longer  thine;  all,  all  is  dark  within. 

*  *    Memory,  once  a  source  of  joy,  now  ministers  to 
my  woe. 

The  morrow,  hitherto,  so  full  of  hope, 
Now  torments  with  deadly  fear! 

*  *    *    Love  thee  I  do,  but  yet  with  hopeless  love, 
Since  I  have  all  abandoned  by  thee  held  dear— 


i8 


Severing  every  chord,  once  binding  my  heart  to  thine. 

A, 
What  hast  thou  done  thus  to  cast  thee  down  in  such 

grief  and  agony? 
Hast  thou  despised  the  voice  of  Him 
Who  first  our  being  gave  and  with  it  all  else. 


E. 
Alas!  thou  hast  well  opined  the  secret  source 
Of  all  that  now  torments  within, 
And  given  to  the  world  a  word 
Hitherto  unknown—"  Sin." 
Alone  I  found  thee— alone  I  leave  thee 
Henceforth  thy  companionship  from  my  heart  is  forever 

torn. 
This  fruit  (holding  it  up  temptingly)  doth  our  souls 

divide, 
So  that  we  are  no  longer  one  but  twain, 
And  in  kingdoms  quite  distinct. 
*  Twixt  which  there  is  a  gulf  impassable 
Of  this  thou  knowest  not  now, 
Since  thine  eyes  are  holden 
And  from  such  knowledge  quite  concealed. 

A. 

0  fairest  of  the  fair,  tell  me  not 
That  aught  shall  our  souls  divide ! 

1  cannot,  will  not  live  without  thee, 
Let  what  may  betide. 
For  thee  my  life  I  most  freely  give. 
Without  thee  I  cannot  dare  to  live. 
Better  far  ten  thousand  deaths 
Than  life  void  of  thy  companionship. 

*****  :(e 

I  throw  myself  in  the  breach. 


•I 


19 

Death,  thou  canst  only  do  thy  worst! 

Now  hurl  thy  cruel  shafts  at  me. 

On  me  I  take  the  guilt  of  all  her  sin  (pointing  at  Eve), 

And  with  joy  drain  thy  cup 

Even  to  its  bitter  dregs. 

E. 

(Transportingly)    O  life  of  my  life ! 
And  dost  thou  to  the  rescue  come! 
To  share  with  me  my  bitter  fate 
In  exile  from  this  glorious  home!' 
Eat  of  this  fruit  (holding  it  up  temptingly), 
From  this  garden  we  shall  be  driven  ; 
But  we  will  find  in  each  other  yet  another  heaven. 
*  *  *  *  *  *  * 

A. 

To  join  thee  in  thy  fate  is  highest  bliss  of  heaven. 
Suffering  for  and  with  thee  shall  be  freely  given. 
Hand  me  the  fruit 

(She  hands  it  to  him  ;  he  eats  and  says): 
The  fatal  deed  now  is  done  ; 
Henceforth  we  are  united — not  twain  but  one — 
One  in  love,  one  in  life,  one  in  sin. 
One  in  death. 

(He  staggers  ;  she  embraces  him  ;  they  fall  together). 

Curtain  falls. 


[end  of  part  iJ. 


XLbc  H)rama  of  Bben 


PART  II. 


Prologue:  "The  Ruin  Sin  Hath  Wrought." 
Scenery  much  changed,  disorder,  fallen  trees,  dead 
animals,  etc.,  etc.   Characters  same  as  in  Part  I,  save  the 
chorus  of  angels  wanting  and  the  introduction  of  Angel 
Gabriel. 

AOT  I— SOENB  I. 

Interlocutor. 
How  shall  be  described 
That  which  all  thought  transcends  ? 
Scarce  had  man  of  the  forbidden  tree  partook 
Than  lo !  the  earth  reeled  to  and  fro  like  a  drunken  man 
And  quaked  as  if  seized  with  deadly  pain! 
The  sun,  hitherto  so  bright, 
Ashen  pale  became  and  transfixed  stood, 
As  if  paralyzed  with  fear. 

"Then  on  his  fiery  course  he  whirled  'till  close  of  day. 
The  moon  came  forth  with  her  nightly  train. 
All  trembling  and  pale 
With  much  of  her  beauty  lost. 
No  song  of  angel  that  night  was  heard 
In  Eden's  hitherto  joyous  home. 
The  beasts  of  the  field, 
Wont  to  dwell  in  friendly  league, 
At  each  other  enraged  became 
And  in  fierce  encounter  met. 

To  crown  the  terrors  of  this  first  night  of  woe. 


21 


A  dreadful  storm  arose; 

Dark  clouds  enswathed  the  heavens, 

Lightnings  to  lightnings  flashed, 

Thunders  to  thunders  spoke, 

Howling  the  dirge  of  death  as  night  wore  on. 

That  night  seemed  an  age  ere  morning  came. 

And  when  it  came— oh  how  changed! 

"All  the  foundations  of  the  earth  were  out  of  course." 

Death  and  destruction  reigned  almost  supreme. 

Uptorn  trees  with  their  lightning  scathed  trunks  lay  along, 

While  here  and  there  an  animal. 

Lacerated  in  the  combat  of  the  night,  in  its  blood  lay  dead. 

Birds  of  song  and  of  plumage  beauty  rare, 

Strewed  the  storm-swept  earth, 

While  from  their  deserted  mates, 

On  broken  boughs  near  by, 

A  plaintive  song  was  heard — 

A  threnody  of  woe. 


Only  the  cooing  dove  had  not  lost  the  sweetness  of  its 

note, 
A  prophesy  of  hope  for  fallen  man  ; 
But,  enter  thou  the  garden  and  for  thyself  behold  , 
The  ruin  sin  hath  wrought. 
See  yonder's  fountain,  once  so  sweet  and  pure, 
At  which  angels  delighted  drank, 

The  thirst  now  no  longer  slakes,  but  brackish  has  become. 
These  flowers,  once  so  beautiful  to  look  upon 
And  of  such  fragrance  rare,  now  wither  at  the  touch  of 

man 
And  lose  their  sweet  perfume. 
The  carol  of  the  woodland  songster 
Is  now  no  longer  heard, 
And  *'  all  the  daughters  of  music  are  brought  low." 


22 


Ambrosial  fruits  once  hung  on  every  side, 

And  of  their  nectar  sweetness, 

Man  and  angel  might  freely  take. 

But  now  the  fruit  is  blasted  and  its  sweetness  fled. 

Hf  ^  H?  Hf  ^  *  !¥ 

The  Tree  of  Life  alone  survived  the  storm  untouched, 

And  when  morning  came, 

In  new  and  living  beauty  stood, 

And  with  delicate  traceries  rare 

(Its  branches  by  gentle  breezes  fanned), 

Seemed  to  be  writing  *'  Hope" 

Upon  the  azure  page  of  heaven. 

****** 

But,  my  work  is  done  ; 
Of  the  ruin  wrought  in  man 
He  for  himself  shall  speak. 
Behold  he  comes  and  I  to  him  give  place. 
Exit  Interlocutor. 

[Enter  Adam.     Tempter  in  an  obscure  place  leering 
Adam.] 

A. 
"  The  wages  of  sin  is  death." 
Now  know  I  the  meaning  of  those  dread  words  : 
"  In  the  day  thou  eatest  thereof  thou  shalt  surely  die.' 
Yes,  I  am  dead.    Dead  to  love. 
To  joy,  to  hope,  to  peace,  to  all  blessedness. 
What  else  were  worth  the  living  ? 

*  *  *  *  *  *  * 

Only  yesterday  I  held  in  my  hand  the  cup  of  life, 
And  from  it  might  have  freely  drank, 
But  I  rudely  dashed  it  down 
And,  from  the  cup  of  death, 
Damnation  drank  for  all  my  race! 


23 

O  Death,  thou  hast  buried  thy  poisonous  fangs 

Deep  down  in  my  vital  parts, 

And  poisoned  the  fount  of  life, 

And  sent  thy  death— dealing  virus  down 

Through  countless  millions  yet  unborn! 

******* 

Yesterday  I  bore  the  image  of  the  Voice, 

But  in  an  evil  hour  I  made  the  fatal  choice. 

And  drove  that  fair  image  from  my  inner  soul, 

And  to  the  power  of  death  gave  free  control. 

All  who  come  after  me  shall  my  image  bear. 

And,  with  my  ruined  image  the  curse  shall  share 

"  O  wretched  man  that  I  am,  who  shall  deliver  me  " 

From  this  cruel  Death  that  even  now,  vulture  like, 

Preys  upon  my  tortured  soul! 

O  Death,  how  dark  thy  mysterious  meaning, 

Yet  darker  still  the  accursed  thought 

That  I  have  thee  bequeathed  as  my  only  heritage 

To  all  my  posterity ! 

Down,  down  the  ages  shall  be  the  story  told  of  my  revolt, 

And  sin,  and  suffering,  and  death 

Go  hand  in  hand,  to  attest  the  story  true! 

Exit  Adam. 
The  Tempter's  Second  Aftermath. 

{Enter  Tempter.) 
Temp.    So  I,  who  from  dark  perdition  came, 
My  work  well  have  wrought. 
And  now,  who  in  after  ages  shall  me  circumvent 
My  master  must  first  become 
And  bind  with  chains  hitherto  unforged. 
She,  with  tempting  gUile,  born  of  my  cunning  skill. 
Hath  well  her  husband  plied, 
And  now,  he  hath  fallen  beneath  her  will. 
Their  progeny,  a  brood  of  vipers 


24 

Of  my  own  getting  shall  become 

And  own  me  as  their  father, 

And  in  my  footsteps  walk, 

Worthy  sons  and  daughters  of  a  sire  at  first  despised. 

Henceforth  no  more  despised,  but  in  counsel  courted, 

I  shall  be  sought  and  implicitly  obeyed. 

Ha,  ha,  most  gladly  too  will  I  lead  them  lower  down 

Until  dark  perdition  I  do  populate  ; 

With  their  posterity. 

Exit  Tempter.     Curtain  falls. 
Scene  II. 
(Adam  and  Eve  on  the  stage  in  full  view.    Serpent" 
Tempter  half  hidden  etc.) 
A. 
By  our  mutual  act  we  have  ourselves  undone, 
And  upon  our  naked  souls  heaven's  vengeance  courted. 
Nor  can  the  arm  long  be  stayed 
'Gainst  which  we  have  revolted. 
A  voice  within  my  soul  alarms 
And  warns  me  of  a  coming  storm 
That  we  shall  in  no  wise  escape. 
The  past  is  now  beyond  recall 
While  the  future  in  darkness  is  deeply  veiled. 
Yet,  out  of  that  darkness  comes  a  voice  ; 
'•  Whatsoever  a  man  soweth,  that  shall  he  also  reap." 

E. 
My  self-reproach  now  burns  like  a  fiery  lake  within. 
While  I  remember  that  I  am  the  "  mother  of  all  sin ! " 
In  my  dreams  yesternight  I  saw  myself  onward  swirled 
Ever  bearing  a  world  of  woe  enough  to  crush  the  world* 
Surely  there  is  no  death  like  this  remorseless  memory 
Of  a  ruined  past! 

Could  it  be  forever  blotted  out  and  in  its  stead 
One  ray  of  hope  the  future  guild, 


^5 

Then  could  the  present,  however  dark,  be  borne. 

But  when  I  recall  that  I  myself  first  destroyed — 

Then  later  dragged  thee  down. 

There  is  no  death  so  dark  as  mine. 

O  Death,  thou  art  to  me  a  most  welcome  friend, 

If  thou  wilt  only  bear  me  hence 

Oblivious  of  a  guilty  past. 

Coming  ages  shall  me  abhor. 

My  name,  in  dark  repulsion  held. 

Shall  none  of  my  sisters  wear, 

But,  lost  and  to  dark  oblivion  consigned 

It  shall  forever  be. 

A. 
Surely  our  self-reproach  is  just. 
And  burneth  as  doth  a  fire  within, 
Nor  from  it  can  we  flee. 
By  the  once  loving  Voice  we  are  forsaken 
While  angels,  as  from  pestilence,  hath  the  garden  fled. 
Thus  we  are  left  to  walk  alone, 
Unclad  to  each  other's  shame. 
May  we  not  some  way  provide 
This  nakedness  to  conceal 
Which  in  our  childish  state  we  had  not  known? 

E. 
Behold,  ia  the  garden  doth  the  fig  tree  grow, 
And  from  its  foliage  ample,  covering  we  shall  provide. 
(They  repair  to  the  fig  tree  and  make  for  themselves 

aprons. 
(While  thus  engaged  the  Voice  is  heard  :) 

V. 
"Where  art  thou,  Adam?" 

A.  to  E. 
List!    Our  sin  and  shame  are  known. 


26 


In  the  garden's  deep  retreat  we  will  ourselves  conceal. 

(They  haste  to  conceal  themselves  in  a  bower. 
(Once  more  the  Voice  is  heard  : ) 

V. 
"  Where  art  thou,  Adam?  " 
(They  come  forth  tremblingly.) 

A. 
I  heard  Thy  voice  in  the  garden, 
And  being  naked  was  ashamed, 
And  to  deep  concealment  fled. 

V. 
Who  told  thee  that  thou  wast  naked? 
Hast  thou  despised  my  word  and  eaten  of   the  tree 

forbidden? 

A. 
The  woman  whom  thou  gavest  to  be  with  me. 
Gave  unto  me  and  I  did  eat, 
Andlo!    My  nakedness  was  revealed. 

V. 

(To  woman)    Woman,  what  is  this  that  thou  hast  done, 
Thus  to  bring  reproach  upon  all  thy  kind? 

E, 
The  serpent  beguiled  me  and  I  did  eat 
And  to  my  husband  gave. 

V. 
Serpent,  come  thou  forth. 

(The  Tempter  comes,  crouching  with  fear.) 
Because  thou  hast  done  this  deed 
Thou  art  cursed  above  all  cattle  and  every  creeping 

thing. 
Thine  erect  form  shall  be  cast  down, 


27 

Prone  upon  thy  belly  shalt  thou  creep, 

And  the  dust  of  the  earth  shalt  thou  eat  all  the  days  of 

thy  life. 
Enmity  also  will  I  put  between  thee  and  the  woman  ; 
Between  thy  seed  and  her  seed. 
Her  seed  shall  bruise  thy  head, 
While  thou  shalt  only  bruise  his  heel. 
Henceforth  go,  to  meet,  in  every  turn  of  life, 
In  man  a  deadly  foe, 
And  know  thou  that,  in  the  last  battle, 
He  shall  thee  utterly  overthrow. 

(Tempter  falls  down  on  his  face  and  goes  wriggling  off 
the  stage). 

F. 
Woman,  thy  lot  henceforth  a  suffering  one  shall  be. 
In  sorrow  and  in  travail  shalt  thou  bring  forth  children 
Thy  desire  shall  be  toward  thy  husband, 
And  over  thee  shall  he  bear  rule. 
But  as  thou  was  first  in  the  transgression, 
Even  so  shalt  thou  be  in  the  redemption  of  thy  fallen 

race, 
For  in  ages  coming  shall  a  son  be  of  woman  born 
Who  shall  break  the  tempter's  power, 
And  man's  lost  estate  restore. 

Thus,  down  the  cycles  of  coming  time  shall  woman, 
Be  raised  from  her  low  estate, 
And  lead  in  giving  blessings  unto  man. 
Thy  sudjugation  now,  meaneth  service  to  thyself 
And  to  thy  fair  sisters,  who  shall  of  thee  be  born. 

V. 
Adam,  because  thou  hast  to  thy  wife  given  heed 
And  eaten  of  the  tree  forbidden, 
Cursed  be  the  ground  for  thy  sake, 


28 


In  sorrow  shalt  thou  eat  of  it  all  the  days  of  thy  life 

Thorns  also  and  thistles  shall  it  bring  forth, 

And  thou  shalt  eat  the  herb  of  the  field. 

In  the  sweat  of  thy  face  shalt  thou  eat  thy  bread 

'  Til  thou  return  unto  the  ground,  for  out  of  it  wast  thorn 

taken. 
Dust  thou  art  and  unto  dust  shalt  thou  return. 

Behold,  I  will  not  leave  the  naked, 

But  will  better  clothing  give. 

Of  skins  of  animals  on  sacrificial  altar  slain 

In  token  of  the  blood  that  cleanseth  from  all  sin. 

These  wear  till  thy  hand  by  cunning  skill, 

Shall  better  covering  provide. 

V. 
Gabriel,  come  forth. 
(He  comes  forth  clad  in  shining  garments  wearing  a 

crown  and  bearing  a  drawn  sword). 
Behold!    The  man  is  become  as  one  of  us. 
To  know  both  good  and  evil. 
Lest,  therefore,  he  put  forth  his  hand 
And  take  also  of  the  tree  of  life. 
And  eat  and  live  forever 
(A  sinner  beyond  power  to  redeem). 
Therefore,  clothe  him  and  send  him  from  the  garden 

forth 
To  till  the  ground  whence  he  was  taken, 
And  keep  thou  well  the  gate  of  Paradise, 
With  flaming  sword  turning  every  way 
To  guard  approach  to  the  tree  of  life. 

Yet,  send  him  not  forth  without  a  star  of  hope. 
Place  in  his  hand  a  burning  lamp. 
Symbolic  of  a  Father's  undying  love. 

Tell  him  that  through  a  Mediatorial  King 


29 

To  a  Father's  home  he  shall  yet  return, 

And,  returning,  bring  a  countless  host  / 

From  the  power  of  sin  redeemed. 

(Gabriel  approaches  A,  and  E.  and  clothes  them  with 

skins  ;  and,  after  hanging  his  sword  upon  the  Tree 

of  Life,  says  : 

9.  ! 

At  the  high  behest  of  Him, 
Whose  presence  immensity  fills, 
I  come  to  bid  thee  hence. 

Go  thou  forth  to  till  the  soil  whence  thou  wast  taken  ; 

Go  to  reap  what  thou  hast  sown  ; 

Go  to  measure  thy  strength  with  each  returning  day, 

Until  to  dust  thou  shalt  return. 

Yet  go  not  forth  in  darkness  alone  to  wander. 

This  lamp  take,  a  symbol  of  light  and  love  divine  ; 

(He  takes  the  lamp). 
Gathering  assurance  that: 
It  leadeth  to  a  light,  brighter  far 
Than  ere  yet  hath  shown  in  sun  or  star. 

Returning  to  the  dust  thou  shalt  rise  again. 

And  over  all  thy  sin  in  triumph  reign. 

Be  not  dismayed,  make  Him  thy  choice, 

Who  first  spoke  to  thee  through  hidden  voice. 

He  is  thy  Father  and  doth  love  thee  still ; 

Then  yield  thou  to  Him  thy  responsive  will. 

His  love  to  thee  as  a  fire  doth  forever  bum, 

Until  redeemed  in  glory  thou  shalt  return. 

And  returning  bring  innumerable  sons  and  daughters 

From  the  power  of  death  set  free. 

A.  to  E. 
The  past  can  bring  us  no  returns  of  pleasures  lost ; 

OF   THT? 

"CTNIVEKSITY 


30 


The  future  hath  but  a  single  star. 

In  the  light  of  that  star  now  let  us  walk. 

It  may  yet  lead  to  hope, 

And  that  hope  may  lead  to  heaven. 

The  earth  now  trembling  'neath  the  curse 

By  our  sin  induced, 

May  yet  come  forth  as  gold  from  dross  refined, 

And  in  living  beauty  stand, 

A  fit  abode  for  angels  and  their  God. 

For  our  bright  memories  perished. 

Others  may  yet  be  born, 

And  strew  life's  pathway  with  ten  thousand  flowers 

With  a  beauty  hitherto  unseen. 

Then  cheer  thee,  my  fair,  my  tender  bride  ; 
Hence,  let  us  go,  walking  side  by  side. 
Joined  in  all  the  conflicts  of  a  varied  life, 
A  faithful  husband       1  a  true  and  loving  wife, 
'  Til  the  voice  of  Hi     who  hath  this  life  given, 
Shall  call  us  home  to  his  sweet  rest  in  heaven. 
(Exit  A.  and  E.  while  the  curtain  falls). 


[the  end]. 


«.ji-'"  J 


Of  EDEfl." 

'\i)(^  piayU/rittep  by  ^2V. 
f\.  /T\.  I^ussell  ilpder 


The  Rev.  A.  M.  RuskpII,  who  Is  well  known 
In  this  city,  is  one  of  those  reverend  gentle- 
men who  believes  that  the  stage  is  susceptible 
of  elevation.  More  than  that,  he  is  willing  to 
take  a  hand  in  elevating  it.  To  this  end  h« 
has  written  a  play,  whioh  he  entitles  "The 
Dranaa  of  Eden."  On  the  drama  as  published 
appears  the  modest  announcement  that  it  is 
"by  Rev.  A.  M.  Russell,  until  recently  pas- 
tor of  Hamilton-square  Baptist  Church,  San 
Franrisco,  Cal."  In  this  form  appears  his  con- 
tribution to  the  betterment  of  the  histrionic  art. 

But  to  elevate  the  .stage  something  more 
than  the  writing  of  ennobling  dramas  is  re- 
quired. They  must  also  be  presented  to  the 
public  In  order  that  it  may  see  for  Itself  and 


Cubery  c&  Co.,  Printers  and  Publishers 
687  Mission  St., S.  F. 


recognize  the  wide  difference  between  good 
and  bad  in  the  mimic  world.  The  Rev,  Mr. 
Russell's  play  Is  written;  now  it  must  be  put 
on  the  boards  or  the  stage  may  not  be  elevated 
after  all,  and  that  were  a  consummation  de- 
voutly to  be  regretted. 

With  this  thought  in  mind  ,the  Rev.  Mr.  Rus- 
sell went  to  S.  H.  Frledlander.  the  well-known 
theatrical  manager,  and  submitted  to  him  "The 
Drama  of  ETden,"  at  the  same  time  reqtiestlug 
him  to  place  It  on  the  boards  for  the  elevation 
of  the  stage  and  the  betterment  of  mankind. 
Mr.  Frledlander  has  given  the  drama  careful 
consideration  and  has  regretfully  announced 
that  he  fears  It  will  be  impossible  for  him  to 
lift  the  stage,  as  .suggested  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Russell.  The  drama  naturally  is  idyllic  and 
piiraitlve  and  he  apprehends  that  the  modern 
taste,  molded  and  possibly  vitiated  as  it  has 
been  by  centuries  of  civilization,  might  not 
appreciate  its  finer  poicts  and  simple,  undraped 
beauty.  In  an  interview  Mr.  Frledlander  s^aid: 
"After  carefully  reading  the  play,  I  am  of 
the  opinion  that  It  would  be  impossible  to  pro- 
duce it.  It  could  not  be  put  on  in  a  proper 
and  realistic  manner.  First,  the  property  man 
or  costumer  would  be  compelled  to  get  some 
big  fig  leaves  from  Fresno  for  Adam  and  Eve, 
It  certainly  would  never  do  for  them  to  be 
drfbised  in  modern  tights.  The  public  would 
not  accept  them  in  such  guise,  and,  moreover, 
to  dress  them  In  any  other  costume  than  that 
described  In  the  Bible  would  kill  all  the  ro- 
j  mance." 

This  is  an  obstacle  to  staging  "The  Drama  of 
!  Eden,"  which  might  readily  have  occurred  to 
ja  less  experienced  person  than  Mr.  Friedlan- 
|der,  and  while  the  clerical  author  has  attempt- 
I  ed  to  avoid  the  difflculty  by  announcing  that 
I  Eve  first  appears  to  Adam  as  "a  beautiful  wo- 
man in  simple  attire,"  he  does  not  fully  sue- 


ceed  in  doing  so.  Even  supposing  that  the  first 
lady  of  the  land  was  arrayed  in  a  Mother  Ilub- 
bcird  and  a  garden  hat— and  what  could  be  more 
simple?— It  is  evident  that  Bible  readers  would 
feel  that  there  was  a  certain  incongruity  be- 
tween the  costume  and  the  supposed  time  and 
place  of  Its  appearance.  No  matter  how  simple 
the  costume  might  be,  it  is  apparent  that  it 

i  would  jar  the  consistencies  to  some  extent. 

'  Mr.  Friedlander  further  says:  "The  only 
other  character  of  any  importance  besides 
Adam  and  Eve  is  the  serpent,  which  the  dra- 
matist calls  'The  Tempter.'  It  would  be  difR- 
cult  to  get  a  boa  constrictor  to  act  this  part, 
it  might  be  possible,  though,  to  secure  one 
from  Hagenbeck's  famous  collection  of 
snakes. " 

This  objection,  however,  does  not  appear  Lo 
be  so  insurmountable  as  the  first.  It  Is  quite 
possible  that  the  public  could  be  prevailed 
upon  to  accept  a  snake  of  inferior  size.  The 
men  who  go  out  between  the  acts  would  cheer- 
fully do  so,  at  any  rate. 

Says  Mr.  Friedlander  further:  "The  first 
scene,  first  act,  is  the  Garden  of  Eden,  'with 
all  the  animals  in  friendly  league.'  I  don't 
know   how   he   would  airange  this,  except  to 


get  human  beings  to  don  the  hides  of  wild 
animals,  as  they  are  compelled  to  in  the  pres- 
ent stage  of  the  game.  All  of  the  love  scenes 
are  so  vividly  portrayed  between  Adam  and  Eve 
that  it  is  doubtful  if  even  the  French  people 
would  accept  it.  One  advantage  in  producing 
the  play  in  California  would  be  that  there 
would  be  no  trouble  in  securing  plenty  of  young 
and  aspiring  amateur  actors  and  actresses  to 
play  the  parts." 

The   Rev.  Mr.  Russell  left  last  evening  for 
Napa  and  will  remain  there  several  days,  in 

I  order  to  rest  and  recuperate  after  the  intellect- 

■  ual  strain  of  dramatization. 


YC   1 68 10 


